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Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. I’m Debbie O’Shea. Today, we’re continuing my conversation with Melissa Stouffer from Mrs. Stouffer’s Music Room. In Part 1, Melissa shared her love of using children’s books in the music classroom. We explored the many ways stories can support musical learning, creativity, and connection. In Part 2, we get to know more of Melissa’s story as a music educator. Melissa has taught general music, choir, and band. She has also experienced the challenges of teaching on a cart with no budget. Despite those limitations, she built a middle school music program from the ground up. We talk about what she learned from that experience and how Kodály has shaped her approach to music education. We also explore student-led learning and Melissa’s belief that everyone is musical. Finally, we talk about finding ways to save time, protect your energy, and keep the joy in teaching. Let’s jump back into my conversation with Melissa. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Website - https://mrsstouffersmusicroom.com/Book ListPraise Notes for StudentsConnect with Melissa:  FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. I’m Debbie O’Shea, and I’m so glad you’re here. Today, I’m joined by Melissa Stouffer from Mrs. Stouffer’s Music Room. Melissa is a music educator, resource creator, and Kodály-certified teacher. She has taught students from infancy through middle school. She’s also passionate about helping busy music teachers find practical ideas that work in real classrooms. In Part 1 of our conversation, we focus on one of Melissa’s favourite teaching tools: children’s books. Melissa shares creative ways to use books in the elementary music classroom. We talk about books that introduce musical concepts, inspire composition and creativity, connect with songs, and bring lessons together. We also explore how the right book can create meaningful connections between music and other areas of learning. Melissa has even created The Ultimate Music Ed Book List to help teachers discover books they can use in their own classrooms. If you love using stories to bring music lessons to life—or you’re looking for a simple way to get started—you’ll find plenty of ideas in this conversation. Let’s get started. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Website - https://mrsstouffersmusicroom.com/Book ListPraise Notes for StudentsConnect with Melissa:  FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. I’m Debbie O’Shea. Today, we’re continuing my conversation with musician, educator, and Education on Fire podcast host Mark Taylor. In Part 1, Mark shared his journey from discovering percussion at school to becoming a professional musician, educator, and podcaster. Now, we turn our attention to the music classroom. Mark shares practical ideas for making music part of everyday life in primary schools. We explore how rhythm and percussion can help teachers reach every child. We also discuss what Mark has learned from more than 500 conversations with educators from around the world. Then, we tackle a topic close to both our hearts: music education advocacy. What does music need from teachers, school leaders, and policy-makers? And how can individual music teachers help champion the value of music in their own schools? Mark brings plenty of practical ideas, experience, and encouragement to this conversation. Let’s jump back in. Where to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. I’m Debbie O’Shea, and I’m so glad you’re here. Today, I’m joined by fellow podcaster, musician, and educator Mark Taylor. Mark is a professional percussionist with more than 25 years of experience. He’s also the Vice Chair of the National Association for Primary Education in the UK. And he’s the founder and host of the Education on Fire podcast, which has now shared more than 500 conversations with educators from around the world. Mark believes children need opportunities to discover what they love. Music played an important role in helping him discover his own path. In Part 1 of our conversation, we go back to where it all began. Mark shares how a school music programme introduced him to percussion and opened a world of possibilities. We talk about his career as a professional musician, his journey into education, and what inspired him to start podcasting. We also explore the teachers, mentors, and experiences that shaped his life along the way. There’s so much to unpack in Mark’s story, so let’s get started. Where to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. If you haven't listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Michael Jones, I encourage you to go back and start there. We explored Michael's journey into music education and the experiences that have shaped his career. In Part 2, we continue the conversation. We dive into building strong music programmes, creating professional communities, and advocating for music education in our schools. Michael also shares practical advice for classroom teachers, leadership insights, and his vision for the future of music education. As always, you'll leave this episode with ideas you can apply in your own classroom and fresh inspiration for the important work you do every day. Let's jump back into my conversation with Michael Jones. Where to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. I'm Debbie O'Shea, and I'm so glad you're here. Today, I'm joined by Michael Jones. Michael is the Director of Music at Villanova College in Queensland. He's also the Artistic Director of the Queensland Catholic Colleges' and Schools' Music Festival and the founder of both the Queensland Catholic Music Education Conference and the Catholic Music Directors' Network. Michael has spent more than 20 years creating opportunities for young people through music. He's built music programmes, led festivals, and connected music educators across Queensland. In Part 1 of our conversation, we explore Michael's journey into music education. We talk about the teachers and experiences that shaped him, the importance of creating opportunities for students, and why accessible, quality music education matters for every child. Whether you teach in a primary classroom, direct an ensemble, or simply want to inspire young musicians, you'll find plenty of ideas and encouragement in this conversation. Let's get started. Where to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome to the podcast! I'm Debbie O'Shea, and I'm so glad you've joined me. This podcast is all about supporting, encouraging, and inspiring music educators with practical ideas you can use in your classroom straight away. Whether you're a beginning teacher or have years of experience, my hope is that each episode leaves you with something new to try and reminds you why music education is such a rewarding profession. Today, we're talking about one of my favourite teaching tools: rhythm games. Over the years, I've discovered that some activities come and go, but there are a handful of rhythm games that I return to time and time again because they never fail to engage students and build real musical understanding. They're simple to set up, adaptable for different year levels, and, best of all, students absolutely love them. In this episode, I'll share four of my go-to rhythm games, explain how they work, and talk about why they've earned a permanent place in my teaching toolkit. We'll explore how these games help students develop a steady beat, improve rhythmic accuracy, strengthen listening skills, and build confidence—all while having fun. Whether you're looking for a warm-up, a transition activity, an informal assessment, or simply a new way to reinforce rhythm concepts, I hope you'll come away with an idea you can use in your very next lesson. So, let's get started and dive into some rhythm games that work every time. Where to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome to the podcast! I'm Debbie O'Shea, and I'm so glad you're here. Whether you're a brand-new music teacher or you've been in the classroom for years, this podcast is designed to support, encourage, and inspire you with practical ideas you can use right away. Each episode is packed with strategies, teaching tips, and real classroom experiences to help make your music lessons more engaging, more effective, and more joyful—for both you and your students. Today, we're kicking things off with one of my favourite topics: rhythm games. If you've spent any time in an elementary music classroom, you know that rhythm games have a special kind of magic. They capture students' attention, get everyone involved, and create meaningful musical learning without students even realising how much they're practising. Some games come and go, but there are a handful that I return to year after year because they work every single time. In this episode, I'll share a few of my all-time favourite rhythm games, explain how they're played, and, more importantly, why they're so effective. We'll talk about how these games build steady beat, develop rhythmic accuracy, encourage active listening, and foster ensemble skills—all while students are having fun. Whether you're looking for a quick warm-up, a transition activity, an engaging way to reinforce a new concept, or even an informal assessment, I hope you'll discover a game you can try in your own classroom this week. So, let's jump in and explore some rhythm games that your students will ask to play again and again. Where to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome to a very special milestone episode of the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. Today, we're celebrating 200 episodes of conversations with passionate music educators from around the world. Over the past several years, this podcast has become a place to share ideas, celebrate successes, explore challenges, and highlight the incredible work happening in music classrooms every day. For this special episode, we're doing something a little different. The microphone is being handed over once again to Deb Brydon, who also interviewed our host, Debbie O'Shea, for Episode 100. It feels like the perfect way to mark another significant milestone as Debbie reflects on the journey from 100 episodes to 200. The timing makes this celebration even more meaningful. Episode 200 is being released on Debbie's 65th birthday and during her final year in the classroom before embarking on an exciting new chapter as a full-time edupreneur. It's a fitting moment to look back on a remarkable career in music education while also looking ahead to what comes next. Throughout this conversation, Deb and Debbie reflect on the lessons learned from 200 inspiring interviews, the generosity and creativity of the music education community, memorable moments from Debbie's teaching career, and her hopes for the future of music education. You'll also hear "small but mighty" ideas shared by members of the Crescendo community—simple practices that make a meaningful difference in music classrooms around the world. These voices are a reminder that while no two classrooms are the same, we're united by a shared passion for helping young people discover the joy and power of music. Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or have only recently discovered the podcast, thank you for being part of this incredible community. Your support, encouragement, and willingness to share your stories have made these 200 conversations possible. So, join us as we celebrate this milestone, reflect on an extraordinary journey, and look ahead to the next chapter. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Together SingWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Joe Elefante. In Part 1, Joe shared his journey as a professional musician, educator, and author. We explored why music education deserves to be valued for what it truly is — not simply as an activity, but as a powerful way to develop thoughtful, creative, and engaged human beings. In this episode, we take a deeper look at the connection between music education and the skills needed in a thriving community. Joe shares how the principles of jazz — including improvisation, listening, call-and-response, and collaboration — can transform the way we think about teaching and learning. We discuss how music classrooms provide students with opportunities to take risks, make mistakes, respond to others, and work together toward something greater than themselves. Joe also challenges us to think differently about how we advocate for music education. Instead of focusing only on what music can lead to, what if we celebrate music because it already has incredible value? This conversation is a powerful reminder that every time students make music together, they are practicing skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. So, let’s jump back into my conversation with Joe Elefante. Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.joeelefantemusic.com/Book - An Endless KnotWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat — the podcast for primary music teachers who believe music has the power to shape not only musicians, but confident, creative, and connected human beings. Today, I’m joined by Joe Elefante — a pianist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, band leader, and music educator from New Jersey. Joe’s journey through music is a fascinating one. He has performed professionally as a musician, led ensembles, composed and arranged music, and now brings that wealth of experience into the classroom as a high school choir teacher. He is also the author of An Endless Knot: How Democracies Form the Citizens They Need, a book that explores the powerful connection between education, democracy, and the development of citizens who can listen, collaborate, think critically, and contribute to their communities. In this first part of our conversation, Joe shares his journey from professional musician to educator and explains why he believes music education is far more than an “extra” or an enrichment activity. We explore how music classrooms teach skills that extend far beyond music — including communication, teamwork, creativity, resilience, and the ability to navigate mistakes in a supportive environment. Joe also shares the people who shaped his journey, including his late wife, who was also a music educator, his parents, and his mentor John Leister, who helped guide him as a musician and teacher. Whether you teach primary classroom music, lead an ensemble, or simply believe in the power of music to transform lives, this conversation will remind you why what we do matters. So, let’s dive into Part 1 of my conversation with Joe Elefante. Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.joeelefantemusic.com/Book - An Endless KnotWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Tara Conahan. In Part 1, Tara introduced us to the rich tradition of Irish music sessions and explained how the unwritten customs of these gatherings help create communities where music can flourish. We also explored why stepping into an unfamiliar musical environment can feel both exciting and intimidating. In this episode, we take those ideas even further. Tara shares fascinating insights into the psychology of belonging and the ways anxiety can influence how people behave when they enter a new musical space. We discuss why clear expectations matter, how thoughtful guidance can help newcomers feel more confident, and what music educators can learn from the traditions of Irish music sessions. Although our conversation begins in the pubs and session circles of Ireland, the lessons reach every music classroom. We explore how teachers can create environments where students feel welcomed, prepared, and empowered to participate without fear of getting it wrong. This episode is filled with practical ideas for building inclusive music classrooms, fostering confidence, and helping every student find their place in music. So, let's jump back into my conversation with Tara Conahan. Links Mentioned in the Episode:  TED Talk with Louise KellyConnect with Tara: Website: https://www.sessionetiquette.com/PodcastWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat — the podcast for primary music teachers who want to inspire a lifelong love of music in every child. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Tara Conahan, an internationally respected traditional fiddle player from Donegal, Ireland. For more than 35 years, Tara has been immersed in Irish traditional music. She is a founding member of the acclaimed She Fiddlers group and has dedicated her career to performing, teaching, and preserving Ireland's rich musical heritage. More recently, she's been leading a fascinating project called Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music, exploring the unwritten customs and traditions that help Irish music sessions remain welcoming, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone. In this first episode, we explore Tara's musical journey and discover what makes Irish traditional music so unique. We also unpack the idea of "session etiquette"—those unspoken rules that experienced musicians often take for granted but can feel overwhelming to newcomers. As our conversation unfolds, you'll notice that this isn't just about Irish music. It's about belonging. It's about creating spaces where people feel confident to participate, make mistakes, and grow. Whether you teach singing games, recorder, ukulele, or classroom percussion, I think you'll find surprising connections between Tara's world and our own. So, let's dive into Part 1 of my conversation with Tara Conahan. Links Mentioned in the Episode:  TED Talk with Louise KellyConnect with Tara: Website: https://www.sessionetiquette.com/PodcastWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is the final episode in my conversation with Dr. Matthew Arau. Over the last two episodes, we've explored mindset, purpose, leadership, and the choices we make each day as educators. In this final chapter, we focus on something that resonates deeply with so many music teachers: wellbeing and sustainability. Music educators are passionate people. We care deeply about our students, our programs, and our communities. Yet that same passion can sometimes leave us exhausted, overwhelmed, and running on empty. In this episode, Matthew shares practical strategies for protecting your wellbeing while continuing to do meaningful work. We discuss teacher burnout, mindset shifts, physical and emotional health, and the habits that help educators stay energised for the long haul. You'll also hear Matthew's "Nuggets of Fabulous" — simple but powerful actions teachers can implement straight away — along with his inspiring advocacy for music education and a memorable soapbox message that every music teacher needs to hear. This conversation is full of encouragement, wisdom, and hope. If you need a reminder of why your work matters and how to keep your own spark alive, this episode is for you. So, let's dive into the final part of my conversation with Dr. Matthew Arau. Links Mentioned in the Episode:  Songs:Feathers, Fur or Fins | Sugar Glider | Don SpencerSh-Sh-Sugar GliderTake the G.E.T. Leadership Quiz HEREJoin the FREE Upbeat Leaders Skool CommunityJoin the Upbeat! Leadership Academy Membership GroupConnect with Dr. Matthew Arau: Website: https://www.upbeatglobal.com/ Email: [email protected] FacebookLinkedInInstagramWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Matthew Arau. In Part 1, Matthew shared his journey and introduced us to the Upbeat philosophy — a powerful framework for approaching life and teaching with intention, optimism, and purpose. In this episode, we dive deeper into leadership. But not the kind of leadership that's based on titles or authority. Instead, we explore servant leadership, relationship-building, and the role music educators play in shaping the lives of young people every day. Matthew shares practical insights from his work with student leaders, music programs, and the Servant Leadership Association for Music. We discuss how teachers can foster leadership skills in students, create positive rehearsal and classroom cultures, and lead with both excellence and empathy. Whether you teach a choir, band, orchestra, or a classroom full of energetic primary students, this conversation offers powerful reminders that leadership isn't about standing in front — it's about lifting others up. There is so much wisdom packed into this episode, and I know you'll come away with practical ideas you can apply immediately. Let's jump back in with Dr. Matthew Arau. Links Mentioned in the Episode:  Songs:Feathers, Fur or Fins | Sugar Glider | Don SpencerSh-Sh-Sugar GliderTake the G.E.T. Leadership Quiz HEREJoin the FREE Upbeat Leaders Skool CommunityJoin the Upbeat! Leadership Academy Membership GroupConnect with Dr. Matthew Arau: Website: https://www.upbeatglobal.com/ Email: [email protected] FacebookLinkedInInstagramWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show